At Coast, we’re building a team where people can grow, challenge themselves, and take their careers to the next level. As part of our effort to spotlight the people behind Coast, we’re sharing stories from our team to show what it’s really like to work here.
Meet Matt Dennis, one of our Account Executives in our Salt Lake City office. Since joining Coast, Matt has been promoted twice, starting as a BDR, then stepping into a Senior BDR role, and ultimately becoming an Account Executive. His path is a great example of how hard work, resilience, and support from the team can turn opportunity into progress.
Let’s start with your background—what were you doing before Coast?
I went to Boise State University, and I always knew I wanted to work in sales. After college, I spent five years doing door-to-door pest control. I ended up managing a large team and picked up a lot of skills that I knew would serve me for life.
But I never saw that job as a long-term career. I wanted to be in an office setting, learn new skills, and grow professionally.
What made you want to join Coast?
I actually used a card like Coast when I was working in pest control, so I understood the pain point right away. A lot of people don’t realize how outdated this industry is, it hasn’t really been modernized.
Coast was clearly the first company trying to change that. They were doing something completely different in a space that really needed it.
You joined Coast as a BDR, tell us more about the job.
As a BDR, you do a lot of cold calling, which was very new to me, coming from door to door sales.The resiliency and thick skin that I build doing door-to-door work definitely helped. When you’re disciplined and optimistic, your work pays off.
The Coast product also makes it very easy. When you have a killer product, that makes a big difference.
After a few weeks, I wanted to put myself in a position to be promoted. The Account Executive role was appealing because I liked the idea of “eat what you kill.” If you do your job, you get rewarded. That transparency and opportunity was a big draw for me.
Tell us about your transition from BDR to Account Executive. What did that look like?
I was a BDR for about six months. I hit my quota and followed the path to promotion. Coast didn’t just say, “Congrats, you’re an AE now.” They helped me prepare early, with mock demos, product training, and time to ramp so the role didn’t feel brand new.
I started doing some AE-style tasks while still a Senior BDR. That made the transition smoother when the title officially changed.
What’s the biggest difference between your Account Executive role and BDR role?
As an AE, I own the entire cycle. I sell the meeting and then help implement the solution. There’s a lot more pipeline management and tracking involved. It’s not about a single call—it’s about consistent practice and discipline to close deals.
I love that I’m in control of my own success. I get to see the impact of my work on real customers, and I get to close the loop—understand what actually helps them, not just what gets them in the door.
Any advice for people just starting in sales?
Mimic the top performers. Look at what the best reps are doing and copy their habits. That’s how you level up.
Interested in joining Coast? We’re hiring new BDRs in our Salt Lake City office! Apply here to come build with us!
